Hands-On Summary

I took the base system, added it to the VI-BRANCH workgroup, and changed the Computer Name to match the VI workstation naming conventions.  Since VI requires the use of Internet Explorer 6, I downloaded the IE7-9BlockerToolkits, which included a script and a Group Policy (GP) Template, and used them to prevent Internet Explorer from upgrading beyond version 6.  I ran the scripts, and then added the GP templates to Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates in the GP mmc addin.

 

I implemented many of the other VI IT Policies using Local GP.  Windows Logon, Firewall, Updates, and ScreenSaver settings were all managed using Local GP.

 

Lacking Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software, I installed Symantec Anti-Virus 10.1.6, and Windows Defender.  The Symantec installer was provided on VI-Server-01, and I downloaded the Windows Defender installer.

 

As an alternative to Internet Explorer 6, I installed Firefox 3.6.16.  While that isn’t the most recent version of Firefox, it is more compatible with most websites.  I installed AdBlock Plus browser extension for Firefox for both the Administrator and Pat Smith users.

 

For a PDF viewer I downloaded and installed Acrobat Reader X.

 

I installed the network printer using a standard TCP/IP port.  The port name included the Building, Room Number, and IP Address of the printer.

 

I created Pat Smith an account, following the naming convention, first initial last name.  I configured her view, Start Menu, and Desktop settings per VI policy.  I configured her Outlook Email Client to check her VI email account.  I mapped a network drive to the U: drive letter, and created a shortcut to another network location on the desktop.  After that I created Pat an account on the server, and granted the account membership in the VI-Bdgt-Rv and VI-Contract-Tch groups.  I also created Pat a user folder on the server that only she has access to.